I'd go for a basic four ch radio. I have been flying for fifteen or twenty years and have never used more than four ch's. The most important thing is to make sure it has trainer capabilliteis, and is compatable with the equipment where you will be flying so you can fly with an instructor. I am an instructor and have had three students show up at the field this summer looking for help but their radios didn't have trainer ports or were the wrong brand. One had Jr and I use futaba and the others had futabas with no trainer ports. rctrax